As the European PVC market moved into early October, it was stable with contract prices holding steady across key regions, while spot prices slipped moderately. Sentiment continued to be driven by strong supply and weak demand, with a particular emphasis on the construction sector. Production rates were mostly in familiar ranges and feedstock prices were mildly stable resulting in neutral support for pricing. Ethylene spot prices slipped slightly while EDC and VCM both lifted moderately. Buyers remained hesitant and there was little restocking.
At the beginning of October 2025, the European PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) market remained stable following stable behaviour seen in the last week of September, despite small declines in spot prices and a slower trend in demand in both sectors of the market. Contract prices in all major markets were flat, but there were active evidence of strong supply affecting sentiment and a continuing decline in offtake.
Spot PVC prices in Northwest Europe continued to decline throughout the week. The suspension grade PVC contract price remained flat. Contract prices in Germany and France were unchanged, and Italian prices were flat. UK markets reported a small decrease over the week.
According to industry sources, demand remained generally weak even with the seasonally dominant construction sector (a significant PVC consumer) seeing a seasonal improvement in demand. There was minimal interest from customers in restocking, and purchasing activity was slowing. Generally stable PVC production rates persisted across European producers, and the expectations for an imminent uptick in overall demand remain low.
In feedstock developments, there was little movement in prices either way. Ethylene spot prices fell slightly week on week. The October ethylene contract price closed unchanged from the September. EDC prices were reported to be marginally higher, and VCM prices were above the prior week. Still, the overall changes suggest PVC producers would not face material cost pressure and will remain stable into the contract price.
In the near term, the European PVC market is anticipated to move within a range of stability. Spot prices may vary as supply-demand relationships tilt one way or the other, but contract prices are projected to remain flat given steady production and little cost pressure. Unless demand increases or supply decreases, it seems unlikely to see a major positive shift in pricing.
Overall, the European PVC market is entering October with a balanced view of pricing, stable contract prices, soft spot prices, and caution from buyers. Observers will continue to pay attention to movements in feedstock and anything to do with logistics in the differential from cost direction.
As per ChemAnalyst, PVC prices in Europe are anticipated to be stable for the next couple of weeks. Contract prices are expected to remain firm, supported by stable production levels and little to no cost pressure. PVC spot prices may increase or decrease slightly depending upon supply and demand, but without an obvious improvement in demand levels, there is not anticipated to be a major shift in pricing within the short term.
